Blueberries
for your health
Recent research shows that blueberries, besides being a
tasty and attractive fruit, have health benefits greater
than most other fruits. To begin with the basics: one cup
of blueberries provides 4 grams of fiber, 85 milligrams of
potassium, 18 grams of carbohydrates, about 30% of the
daily requirement of vitamin C, and 80 calories. They also
contain vitamin A, in addition to beta- carotene; folic
acid; and ellagic acid. No fat, no cholesterol and a very
small amount of sodium.
Antioxidants, which are believed to have an important role
in preventing cancer and heart disease and delaying the
aging process, are the big news from recent blueberry
research. Studies show that blueberries blue skins contain
anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant. One researcher found
that "blueberries are one of the richest sources of
antioxidant phytonutrients of the fresh fruits and
vegetables we have studied." In a study, volunteers ate
five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, providing
about 1,600 units of ORAC (oxygen radical absorbing
capacity), a measure of the activity of antioxidants; they
also found that only one-half cup of blueberries alone
provided the same 1,600 units.
Prevention of urinary tract infections: a study has
confirmed that the compounds in cranberries that help
prevent urinary tract infections are also contained in
blueberries and other members of the blueberry family.
We have only summarized the latest scientific research
here. Many more details about past and current research are
available at http://www.blueberry.org/health.htm the
website of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, which
also provides a lot of other information about
blueberries.